Mediterranean history from Homer to Chariton

This innovative, fully illustrated, new course introduces and discusses a range of literary and other sources to illustrate Mediterranean life and culture in the period from the 8th century B.C. to the reign of Augustus.

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Key course information

Dates
18/04/12 - 20/06/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
10 weeks

Time
15:00 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £75
Senior fee: £42
Concession: £20

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH030

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course aims to show the ways in which Mediterranean societies from the eighth century B.C. were transformed into the complex, but probably more familiar, culture of the Graeco-Roman world of the 1st century A.D. Each session covers an important topic: political, social, economic and cultural issues, problems and movements are introduced and discussed. The opportunity is taken to study both primary and secondary sources, including archaeological evidence, as well as to discuss differing interpretations of historical evidence.

What topics will we cover?

The course begins with a survey of the Mediterranean. We cover then the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Etruscans, the Greek colonial movement, the Athenian Empire, Aristotle and Alexander, Alexandria, the rise of Rome, the Punic Wars, ‘mare nostrum’, the novel Callirhoe.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

describe and explain how some aspects of Mediterranean life and culture continued to be of fundamental importance to people living in the region over the period covered;
identify the major changes, some of which you should be able to describe and explain;
analyse and evaluate historical evidence relating to the Mediterranean;
construct and communicate historical hypotheses and arguments;
use empathy to enhance your own understanding of major historical events in the complex history of the Mediterranean region.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to anyone with an interest and enthusiasm for the subject. No prior knowledge is necessary, although if you have experience in this field, it should help you to appreciate the subject even more. Each session provides opportunities to study a selection of both primary and secondary source material. There are opportunities to discuss differing interpretations of historical evidence and other issues and problems. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to develop study and research skills, and to express your ideas with confidence.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Most sessions involve the tutor leading in with a prepared talk or lecture. These are illustrated with slides. There is ample opportunity for discussion and questions. As the course progresses you may wish to play a greater part in learning by presenting an aspect of our course to the group or by introducing a discussion. Sessions are accompanied by a prepared handout providing selected sources, discussion questions and additional bibliography.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You may well wish to buy a recommended book or two. Some visits are recommended, which may involve travel and entrance fees, although these are not part of the course itself.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Participation on this course should enable you to feel more confident in undertaking further study at the City Lit. You should feel able to extend your studies through private reading and to appreciate to a greater extent TV/radio programmes with an historical focus. Details of these and other opportunities will be described and further documented during the course.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.